In a world where technology is becoming more and more advanced, many people are opting for laser eye surgery in order to improve their eyesight.

Choosing laser eye surgery is not as straightforward as many think. Unlike cosmetic surgery, there are a number of factors which must be taken into account before a surgeon carries out the operation.

LASIK surgery is now a popular way of improving a person’s vision, helping people with nearsightedness, long-sightedness or even astigmatism. But one factor that can determine how successful the surgery will be is age.

In the USA for instance, LASIK therapy is available for suitable candidates aged 18 or over, although most doctors recommend waiting until they are aged 21.

However, the average age of people having laser eye surgery in the US is 37.

Recent research however has found that when a person reaches 40, LASIK surgery tends to be less effective. For this reason, people in their 20s who wear glasses or contact lenses are being encouraged to consider LASIK surgery, rather than waiting until they get older and more financially stable.

However, it’s the factor of financial stability that can be problematic. Eye surgery in the USA is expensive – around $2500 per eye – so this will generally be prohibitive for most young people.

Although cost is a major factor, a more important issue is health. Not everyone is suitable for vision improvement surgery.

Doctors say that people who are suitable for LASIK treatment must have an unchanging vision prescription. They should not have any eye complications such as abnormal corneas, moderate to severe dry eyes or extremely poor uncorrected vision.

Women who are pregnant are advised not to have treatment, while individuals with some major medical problems such as diabetes (known to affect eyesight), are also likely to be ruled out.